Cleaning your car before selling it shows off the interior, the trunk and the bodywork. Plan it before the listing photos, so the vehicle looks clean from the very first contact with buyers.
Why clean your car before selling it?
A buyer sees the exterior first, then sits inside and opens the trunk. A clean car lets them look closely at the paint, the fabrics and the finish. Show the details and overall condition of the vehicle to give buyers an accurate picture.
The 6-step checklist
- Empty the car. Remove personal belongings, empty the trunk and keep the sale documents separate.
- Take care of the seats, mats and plastics. It’s what the buyer sees and touches first once inside.
- Prepare the trunk. Show its size and its condition.
- Clean the bodywork. It sets the first impression.
- Finish with the wheels and windows. Windows matter for light and visibility inside.
- Photograph the vehicle once it’s clean, before you publish the listing.
Which package before a sale?
- Albert Complete (€100, SUV from €120, ≈ 1 h 45 min): the recommended choice when the mats, seats and trunk need thorough attention.
- Albert Express (€50, SUV from €60, ≈ 45 min): for a vehicle that’s already regularly maintained.
- Albert Outside (€60, SUV from €70, ≈ 50 min): if only the exterior needs cleaning.
Find the details in our comparison of mobile car cleaning packages. For embedded pet hair, sand or an old stain, send photos so we can agree on the work before the appointment; a surcharge starting at €20 is only applied with your approval.
Prepare for the visit
Make sure there is an accessible spot with enough room around the vehicle. Albert Wash brings its battery-powered equipment: you don’t need to provide water or a power outlet. Our guide to preparing for mobile car cleaning covers the access details.
In Cagnes-sur-Mer, see for example a documented service on an Audi Q3.
Take good listing photos
Photograph the exterior and the details
Pick even light that shows the bodywork well. Shoot the car from several angles, then take close-ups of the wheels and any useful details. Keep the images true to the color and condition of the vehicle.
Show the interior and the trunk
Open the doors to photograph the front and rear seats. Add a view of the dashboard, the seats and the empty trunk. Keep personal papers and objects that hide surfaces out of the frame.
When to clean your car before the sale
Ideally before the listing photos, leaving some margin before the first viewings. Give the planned date for the photos or the buyer’s visit in your booking request; we confirm the time by phone. If a buyer shows up on short notice, our Albert Urgence service (+€40, including €25 for priority handling and €15 for travel, subject to availability) gives you a priority visit.
Car cleaning before a sale in Nice and on the French Riviera
Albert Wash comes to your home or workplace. For a vehicle parked in Nice, see our mobile car cleaning service in Nice. Travel is included in Nice, Saint-Laurent-du-Var, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Villeneuve-Loubet, Antibes and Cannes.
Frequently asked questions
Which package should I choose to clean a car before selling it?
Albert Complete is the recommended choice if the interior and the trunk need time. Express is enough for a car that’s already well maintained, and Outside if only the exterior is concerned.
How much does cleaning a car before a sale cost?
Package prices range from €50 to €120 depending on the package and the vehicle type (compact, sedan, SUV or 4×4). The total is shown before you confirm.
Should I clean the car right before the photos or before the viewing?
Before the listing photos, then keep some margin before the viewing so the vehicle is shown at its best.
